City of God (18)

2002 (Brazil / France) (Crime, Drama)
(Portuguese with English subtitles)
Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Matheus Nachtergaele, Leandro Firmino
Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund
City of God is a sweeping tale of how crime affects the poor population of Rio de Janeiro. For all its whiz-bang camerawork and outrageous entertainment value, the movie is grounded by its true life origins (Paulo Lins’ fact-based novel), and the superb performances of a largely non-professional cast recruited from the streets. Gut-troubling horror follows cruel bellylaughs, and the relentless action is underscored by unforgiving poverty. Shocking, frightening, thrilling and funny, “City of God” has the substance to match its lashings of style. City of God is not the easiest film to watch, but it is a masterpiece all the same and is maybe the best crime drama since the Godfather films. Cinema doesn’t get more exhilarating than this. (2hr 10min)
Tickets on sale 22nd September 2014